A Fox broadcaster chided the Japanese team after another corner kick attempt was thwarted by the Netherlands in a World Cup game on Sunday.
Commentator's Remarks
“The Japanese players think they’re taller than they actually are, because they persist on crossing it straight on to the heads of the Dutch defenders,” Darren Fletcher said.
While treading into sensitive territory, the announcer appeared to summon the forces of karma.
Karma Strikes
Moments later, the team found itself taking another corner. Fletcher recommended they “go short” instead of kicking the ball into the penalty area. “You watch, they’ll score from this one now that I have said this,” he added.
The ball sailed into the penalty area, where Koki Ogawa headed the ball toward the goal. It ricocheted off the head of teammate Daichi Kamada into the goal to give Japan a 2-2 draw.
“Astonishing!” Fletcher said. “2-2!”
He continued, “What a moment for Japan! And didn’t you just know that was gonna happen?”
Apology
The contrite commentator added: “Can I just apologize to every Japanese player down there because that’s why they were crossing it into the Dutch box because eventually they were gonna get a goal.”
Awful Announcing noted Japan is actually the 36th-tallest team (tied with Cape Verde) out of 48 in the tournament, according to a report.
But height is just one statistic. Defending champion Argentina is 44th on the list. Its average was lowered by all-time great Lionel Messi, who is 5-foot-7.
